Question

Describe criticisms of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's theory of death and dying. Please be specific and add detail.

Answer 1

Elisabeth Kubler Ross wrote on Death and dying in 1969. She gave a theory of death and dying. It involves 5 stages

1. Denial and Isolation

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Depression

5. Acceptance

Criticism of the theory are :

1. There is no real evidence that these stages are really present in coping with death. Patients could experience stages in different order or they can experience emotions or stages that are not even mentioned in this theory.

2. This theory has become so famous that patients tend to force themselves in all these stages believing that it is supposed to happen. These stages have become an easy and convenient way for the patients to deal with death, instead of dealing with what comes naturally.

3. The limitations of this theory of death and dying is not considered enough. There are flaws in this theory like the information gathered for this theory varies depending on the relationship between the patient and the researcher. But these flaws are not considered.